COMMUNITY OF SINNERS
Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” – Luke 5:31
Roland was flushed with anger. He was in the middle of an out-of-town meeting when he received texts from Ritz ordering him to help out with an event. The content of the messages had urgency and aggression. He was loaded with many things assigned to him in his ministries and the concerns of Ritz were not part of it. It was hard enough to serve excellently with all the tasks at hand, more so, have someone tell him to prioritize something else.
He managed to pray and reply objectively. Then, an inspiration came to Roland to bow, obey and apologize to Ritz. It was insane, he thought. But maybe it was from the Holy Spirit. He did it even if it seemed unfair on his part.
Months later, Roland learned that Ritz was being corrected left and right. She was hurting and disappointing people around her. She didn’t need another scolding, but she needed gentle love: something she received and learned from Roland.
There is no perfect community. We embrace and welcome sinners. Just as doctors serve to heal the sick not the healthy. Jesus is our doctor. His gentle love heals. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
How do I respond to what I perceive as unlovable acts by others? Do I respond with logic, emotional impulse or loving-kindness?
God of love, mercy and gentleness, help me in fun and loving ways to reflect Your love, mercy and gentleness. Fill me with wisdom to know how to respond even if it seems unfair to me.
Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, pray for us.
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